stephen



(No Model.)

J. S. STEPHEN.

FENCE POST.

No. 306,657. Patented Oct. 14, 1884.

l L I 226,396.94.

My 121 Vania r.

1. Wish] NITED STATES,

PATENT Orr-ice.

JOSEPH S. STEPHEN, OF JOLIET, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO 7 JAMES G. PATTERSON, OF SAME PLACE.

FENCE-POST.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 306,657, dated October 14. 1884.

Application filed March 22, 1884. No model.)

tion of a case containing the foot of the post;-

- F3, a perspective View of a tile forming e case for holding the foot of the post, and Fig. 4 a bottom view of one of the slotted and flanged caps for use on the ends of the tile B. I

This invention relates to certain improvements in metallic fence-posts; and it consists, principally, in the means for supporting and holding the lower end of the post in the ground.

Referring to the drawings, a represents the fence-post proper, made of a bar of iron, of suitable size and length for a fence-post.

B represents an ordinary tile, made of pottery, such as are commonly used for drainage purposes. a

D and D are a pair of caps for closing either end of the tile, as shown in Fig. 1. These caps are provided with overhanging flanges to receive the ends of the tile to prevent its splitting or bursting open, and also with slots S, as shown in Fig. 4, for the post a to pass through.

To hold the post in the tile and prevent the caps from falling off, pins P may be passed through the post next to the outer face of the caps; or notches B may be made in the edge of the post at the caps, so the post can be wedged over by the wedges P, so the caps will be held on by the notches in the. post. The precise manner of so holding the caps on and the post in is not essential, as a variety of 5 analogous means may be used for that purpose.

The manner of attaching the post to the tile is substantially as follows: The lower cap, D, is first slipped on over the post and passed down to near the bottom, where itis to remain. The tile B is then in like manner placed on I over the post, so as to rest on the lower cap within its flanges, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The space between the post and the tile is then filled with concrete or any suitable material'. The top cap, D, is then placed on the post so as tocover the upper end of the tile, as shown in said figures, and then each cap is held on by the keys P or pins P, or any suitable way desired, only so the ends of the tile are inclosed withinthe flanges of the caps, so as to prevent the tile from being split by the action of heat or cold, or any other cause. These caps are intended to be made of metal for greater strength. After the tile is so filled with concrete it of course sets and hardens and holds the post firmly. Vhen the post is set in the ground,it is intended that the earth will cover the tile to the depth of several inches, so that the frost will not throw the post out very readily, or at all. 1

I am aware that. earthenware bases have heretofore been used for fence-posts, which feature I do not claim, broadly; but Iam not aware that common straight tile having each end protected with such flanged caps or heads and filled with concretein which to firmly set the post has ever been used.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters .80 Patent, is as follows,.to wit:

A base for a metallic fence-post, formed of tile or pottery open at each end and adapted to be filled with concrete for the reception of the post, and having the metallic caps or heads D D, provided with overhanging flanges for the reception of the ends of the tile, and slots for the reception of the post, and means for securing said caps or heads to the ends of the tile, as and for the purpose set forth. 1

JOSEPH S. STEPHEN.

Witnesses:

THOS. H. HUTOHINS, WM. J. HUTOHINS. 

